Vicky Balabanski

Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski is a Senior Lecturer in New Testament at Flinders University's Department of Theology and Director of Biblical Studies at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. With a PhD in Classics and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Melbourne (1993), she has held prestigious fellowships including the Golda Meir post-doctoral position at Hebrew University and scholarships from DAAD, Swiss Government, and Robert Maddox.

• Bachelor of Divinity, Melbourne College of Divinity (1986)
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours, University of Melbourne (1982)

Her research focuses on ecological and feminist interpretations of the Bible, Stoic philosophy in New Testament contexts, and Indigenous spirituality. She co-edits the Earth Bible Project, which explores scriptural responses to ecological crises, and contributes to feminist collections while supporting Indigenous writers through initiatives like the 2019 National First and Second Peoples' writers' retreat.

Notable research outputs include her 2020 monograph Colossians: An Eco-Stoic Reading, 2024 chapters on creation theology, and a 2025 introduction to a JSNT special issue on creation. These works reflect her expertise in New Testament hermeneutics, ecological ethics, and cross-disciplinary engagement with Stoic cosmology.

Scientific Awards:

• 2017: Member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS)
• 2012 & 2011: Visiting Scholar appointments in India and Thailand
• 1996: Post-doctoral fellowship at Hebrew University
• 1988-1989: Swiss Government and Robert Maddox scholarships
• 1981: DAAD German Government Scholarship

As a Higher Education supervisor, she guides students in topics like Irony in the Fourth Gospel and Pauline engagement with Stoic thought. She also directs Flinders' Forum on Religion and Ecology (Australia-Pacific) and contributes to the Earth Bible Project as an editor.